Month: February 2024
Meta looking to use exotic, custom CPU in its datacenters for machine learning and AI — yet another indication that Nvidia’s most formidable rivals are developing their own alternatives to its hardware
Meta is advertising for engineers to build machine learning accelerators as part of its plans to move away from Nvidia.
We previously reported that Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, plans to deploy its own custom-designed artificial intelligence chips, codenamed Artemis, into its data centers this year, but would continue using Nvidia H100 GPUs alongside them – for the foreseeable future at least.
However, The Register now claims job advertisements for ASIC engineers with expertise in architecture, design, and testing have been spotted in Bangalore, India, and Sunnyvale, California, indicating Meta’s intentions to develop its own AI hardware.
The job descriptions suggest that Meta is seeking professionals to “help architect state-of-the-art machine learning accelerators” and to design complex SoCs and IPs for datacenter applications. Some of these roles were initially posted on LinkedIn in late December 2023 and re-posted two weeks ago, with the Sunnyvale roles offering salaries nearing $200,000.
Artificial general intelligence
While the exact nature of Meta’s project remains unspecified, it’s likely linked to the company’s previously announced “Meta Training Inference Accelerators,” set to be launched later this year.
Meta’s ambitions also extend to artificial general intelligence, a venture that might necessitate specialized silicon.
With the increasing demand for AI and Nvidia’s struggle to meet this demand, Meta’s move to develop its own technology is a strategic step to ensure it doesn’t have to compete with rivals for hardware in a super-hot market.
The Register reports that the Indian government will likely welcome Meta’s decision to advertise in Bangalore, as the nation seeks to become a significant player in the global semiconductor industry.
In addition, rumors suggest that Microsoft is also reducing its dependence on Nvidia by developing a server networking card to optimize machine-learning workload performance. This trend suggests Nvidia’s most formidable rivals are looking for ways to become less reliant on its massively in-demand hardware.
More from TechRadar Pro
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Apple Releases New Beta Firmware for AirPods Pro 2
Apple today introduced a new beta firmware update for the AirPods Pro 2, both the USB-C and Lightning versions. The new firmware is version 6E188, up from the prior 6B34 firmware released in December.
Apple does not often provide details or notes on what features might be included in the refreshed firmware, so it is unclear what’s new. Note that this software is limited to developers at the current time.
There are no clear cut instructions on how to upgrade AirPods software, but firmware is generally installed over-the-air while the AirPods are connected to an iOS device. Putting the AirPods in the case, connecting the AirPods to a power source, and then pairing the AirPods to an iOS device or Mac should force the update.
You can check your AirPods Pro firmware by following these steps:
Connect your AirPods Pro to your iOS device.
Open the Settings app.
Tap General.
Tap About.
Tap AirPods.
Look at the number next to “Firmware Version.”
If we learn more about what’s new in the firmware update, we’ll update this article.Related Roundup: AirPods ProBuyer’s Guide: AirPods Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: AirPodsThis article, “Apple Releases New Beta Firmware for AirPods Pro 2” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple today introduced a new beta firmware update for the AirPods Pro 2, both the USB-C and Lightning versions. The new firmware is version 6E188, up from the prior 6B34 firmware released in December.
Apple does not often provide details or notes on what features might be included in the refreshed firmware, so it is unclear what’s new. Note that this software is limited to developers at the current time.
There are no clear cut instructions on how to upgrade AirPods software, but firmware is generally installed over-the-air while the AirPods are connected to an iOS device. Putting the AirPods in the case, connecting the AirPods to a power source, and then pairing the AirPods to an iOS device or Mac should force the update.
You can check your AirPods Pro firmware by following these steps:
Connect your AirPods Pro to your iOS device.
Open the Settings app.
Tap General.
Tap About.
Tap AirPods.
Look at the number next to “Firmware Version.”
If we learn more about what’s new in the firmware update, we’ll update this article.
This article, “Apple Releases New Beta Firmware for AirPods Pro 2” first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Setapp is opening its subscription-only iOS app store
Image: MacPaw
One of the first third-party app stores on iOS is getting ready to open up in the European Union. The software company MacPaw has announced that it’s releasing its Setapp store in beta on Thursday, with an official launch planned for April.
Setapp is currently only available on macOS and offers users access to over 240 third-party apps for a $9.99 per month subscription. Some examples of the curated apps available through Setapp include music software n-Track Studio, project planner MindNode, and the productivity app Session.
The new app store on iOS will feature a “carefully selected assortment of apps, including fan favorites from the Setapp catalog.” In addition to productivity and business tools, Setapp on iOS will also offer design software, utility apps, productivity services, and more.
Big news! MacPaw will launch @Setapp Mobile Beta in the EU – the first alternative marketplace for iOS with a curated selection of apps Read on for some insider secrets, including the first apps on board: https://t.co/b7Tc2hm7JA pic.twitter.com/lYfplYlnFp— MacPaw (@MacPaw) February 29, 2024
Setapp’s new iOS app store will also be available with a subscription, but it’s unclear how much it will cost. MacPaw spokesperson Alyona Gorbatko tells The Verge, “The pricing will be tailored to standard subscription pricing models, but it hasn’t been defined yet.” If you’re interested in trying the new iOS store, you can sign up for the waitlist on Setapp’s website.
Apple’s previous rules against sideloading made it impossible for third-party app marketplaces to operate on the iPhone. Setapp, in particular, offers a unique approach to the app store business, as it makes all of its apps available through a single monthly subscription instead of having users pay individual fees for the apps they want.
“We are setting a new path for the software industry towards a better and more diverse app ecosystem,” MacPaw CEO Oleksandr Kosovan says in a statement. “We carefully curate our collection, ensuring that every app, every feature, and every update aligns with our philosophy of meaningful efficiency.”
In January, Apple announced that it would allow third-party app stores on iPhones as part of its efforts to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which goes into effect in March with the launch of iOS 17.4. This will allow iPhone users to download alternative app stores from the marketplace’s website, where they’ll be able to find apps that may not be available on Apple’s App Store. Just like third-party apps on macOS, any app distributed through an alternative store will need to be “notarized” by Apple.
Even though Apple is loosening some of its restrictions, there are still some concerns over whether third-party app stores will be able to succeed. Critics argue that Apple is steering developers away from putting their apps on a third-party store because they’ll have to agree to a different set of business terms. The new rules impose a “Core Technology Fee” that charges 50 euro cents per install once an app reaches 1 million downloads annually in the EU, which could hit popular freemium apps especially hard.
Image: MacPaw
One of the first third-party app stores on iOS is getting ready to open up in the European Union. The software company MacPaw has announced that it’s releasing its Setapp store in beta on Thursday, with an official launch planned for April.
Setapp is currently only available on macOS and offers users access to over 240 third-party apps for a $9.99 per month subscription. Some examples of the curated apps available through Setapp include music software n-Track Studio, project planner MindNode, and the productivity app Session.
The new app store on iOS will feature a “carefully selected assortment of apps, including fan favorites from the Setapp catalog.” In addition to productivity and business tools, Setapp on iOS will also offer design software, utility apps, productivity services, and more.
Big news! MacPaw will launch @Setapp Mobile Beta in the EU – the first alternative marketplace for iOS with a curated selection of apps
Read on for some insider secrets, including the first apps on board: https://t.co/b7Tc2hm7JA pic.twitter.com/lYfplYlnFp
— MacPaw (@MacPaw) February 29, 2024
Setapp’s new iOS app store will also be available with a subscription, but it’s unclear how much it will cost. MacPaw spokesperson Alyona Gorbatko tells The Verge, “The pricing will be tailored to standard subscription pricing models, but it hasn’t been defined yet.” If you’re interested in trying the new iOS store, you can sign up for the waitlist on Setapp’s website.
Apple’s previous rules against sideloading made it impossible for third-party app marketplaces to operate on the iPhone. Setapp, in particular, offers a unique approach to the app store business, as it makes all of its apps available through a single monthly subscription instead of having users pay individual fees for the apps they want.
“We are setting a new path for the software industry towards a better and more diverse app ecosystem,” MacPaw CEO Oleksandr Kosovan says in a statement. “We carefully curate our collection, ensuring that every app, every feature, and every update aligns with our philosophy of meaningful efficiency.”
In January, Apple announced that it would allow third-party app stores on iPhones as part of its efforts to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which goes into effect in March with the launch of iOS 17.4. This will allow iPhone users to download alternative app stores from the marketplace’s website, where they’ll be able to find apps that may not be available on Apple’s App Store. Just like third-party apps on macOS, any app distributed through an alternative store will need to be “notarized” by Apple.
Even though Apple is loosening some of its restrictions, there are still some concerns over whether third-party app stores will be able to succeed. Critics argue that Apple is steering developers away from putting their apps on a third-party store because they’ll have to agree to a different set of business terms. The new rules impose a “Core Technology Fee” that charges 50 euro cents per install once an app reaches 1 million downloads annually in the EU, which could hit popular freemium apps especially hard.
Apple Watch Ultra With MicroLED Display Seemingly ‘Canceled’ For Now
Apple supplier ams OSRAM on Wednesday announced it would “re-assess its microLED strategy” after a “cornerstone project” was “unexpectedly cancelled” that day. The company’s stock plunged nearly 40% following the news, earlier shared by AppleInsider.
Counterpoint Research’s Display Supply Chain Consultants told MacRumors that it believes this project related to the rumored Apple Watch Ultra with a microLED display. The research firm said low production yields, along with high costs and risk, are likely the primary reasons for the project being canceled with ams OSRAM. The firm said it remains to be seen if Apple looks for another supplier, or sticks with OLED displays for the Apple Watch.
ams OSRAM said “discussions with the related customer are ongoing,” so an Apple Watch Ultra with a microLED display is not completely ruled out, and it may just be further delayed. The device was expected to launch in 2025 or 2026, depending on the source, but it may take even longer to be released, if ever, given this latest development.
Apple is believed to have been actively developing microLED technology since it acquired California-based company LuxVue in 2014. Benefits of microLED displays compared to OLED displays typically include increased brightness, improved power efficiency, higher contrast ratio, and more, but the technology is still expensive.Related Roundup: Apple Watch Ultra 2Tag: microLED Apple WatchBuyer’s Guide: Apple Watch Ultra (Buy Now)Related Forum: Apple WatchThis article, “Apple Watch Ultra With MicroLED Display Seemingly ‘Canceled’ For Now” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple supplier ams OSRAM on Wednesday announced it would “re-assess its microLED strategy” after a “cornerstone project” was “unexpectedly cancelled” that day. The company’s stock plunged nearly 40% following the news, earlier shared by AppleInsider.
Counterpoint Research’s Display Supply Chain Consultants told MacRumors that it believes this project related to the rumored Apple Watch Ultra with a microLED display. The research firm said low production yields, along with high costs and risk, are likely the primary reasons for the project being canceled with ams OSRAM. The firm said it remains to be seen if Apple looks for another supplier, or sticks with OLED displays for the Apple Watch.
ams OSRAM said “discussions with the related customer are ongoing,” so an Apple Watch Ultra with a microLED display is not completely ruled out, and it may just be further delayed. The device was expected to launch in 2025 or 2026, depending on the source, but it may take even longer to be released, if ever, given this latest development.
Apple is believed to have been actively developing microLED technology since it acquired California-based company LuxVue in 2014. Benefits of microLED displays compared to OLED displays typically include increased brightness, improved power efficiency, higher contrast ratio, and more, but the technology is still expensive.
This article, “Apple Watch Ultra With MicroLED Display Seemingly ‘Canceled’ For Now” first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Tecno unveils the smallest water-cooled gaming PC, complete with Intel Core Ultra CPU and RTX 4060 GPU
Check out the smallest water-cooled gaming PC, equipped with an Intel Core Ultra CPU and an RTX 4060 GPU for some standout performance.
MWC 2024 featured some pretty interesting and unique products on its show floor, and one of its standouts is claiming the title of the world’s smallest mini PC.
Tecno’s Mega Mini Gaming G1 features an Intel Core Ultra processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, according to a report from VideoCardz, ensuring that it can handle the best PC games at the highest settings just fine.
It’s also compatible with a 13th-Gen Core i9 13900H processor featuring Turbo Boost that clocks up to 5.4GHz. Its other specs are just as impressive and include 32GB of DDR5 RAM, 1TB of storage, Wi-Fi 6E support, Thunderbolt 4, and Oculink connectivity. It could easily be one of the best Mini PCs in the market.
(Image credit: Tecno)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
There’s even a small monochromatic screen that displays basic stats like CPU and GPU usage and temperature, and RAM utilization. The metal chassis itself is rather adorable, with a glass front that showcases the fun and slightly exaggerated piping of the water cooling system.
RGB lighting is also displayed throughout the inside of the case, which adds to the charm and cute looks. Though the inside is a bit spacious, that extra room is ideal for better ventilation, which means it can last for much longer gaming sessions.
Unfortunately, there’s no pricing or a release date for the Mega Mini Gaming G1 as of now. But it’s still an impressive product and hopefully, more information should be coming soon.
Mini PCs are here to stay
Mini PCs have been around for quite some time, a great way to marry strong performance with reduced desk real estate. And in recent years we’ve seen massive strides in accomplishing just that, including the recently unveiled Mega Mini Gaming G1.
Plenty of other models have been released recently, earlier in 2024 or later in 2023. The NucBox K8 features the Ryzen 7 8845HS as its main driver, an AMD Radeon 780M integrated GPU, and an NPU capable of delivering 38 TOPS of computing power.
CES 2024 introduced Chinese computer manufacturer Minisforum’s flagship product the UH185 Ultra, which the company calls its most powerful mini PC to date. It comes equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 185H Meteor Lake processor, a built-in Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI, and an Intel Arc Xe-LPG integrated graphics card.
Then we have the Overclock4C mini PC, which comes with a 12th generation quad-core Alder Lake N95 Intel processor, and up to 32GB of RAM and 4TB of storage. It can also support up to three screens at once, impressive for a PC so small.
The age of the mini PC has arrived, and with it a reimagining of how efficiently computers can be built while maintaining both an excellent price point and solid performance.
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